‘Ham-Burglar’ Jumps Into River In Attempt To Escape Arrest

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CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) — A man who police know as the “ham-burglar” had to be rescued after his arrest Saturday when he tried to make a break for it by jumping into a river.

Shawn Prince, 21, gave everyone, including himself, quite a scare Saturday morning after reportedly jumping in the Youghiogheny River.

He was trying to get away from police, who had handcuffed Prince for bench warrants out against him.

(Source: Pennsylvania State Police)

The young man is known to police in Fayette and Westmoreland counties as “the ham-burglar.” Last April, authorities nabbed him on camera stealing $450 worth of hams from the Shop ‘n Save in Youngwood.

Right next to the busy railyard Saturday, Prince’s capture became a rescue after his attempted escape into the river.

Fayette County EMS and the New Haven Fire Department, who have a river rescue, were both called in.

(Photo Credit: Sources)

Crews threw him a rope and pulled him out.

Prince was airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital for hypothermia. He now faces further charges for Saturday’s incident.

After Prince was treated and released from the hospital, he was taken to the Fayette County Prison.